PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF IMPLANT-RETAINED OVERDENTURES

The aim of this study was to compare implant-retained mandibular overd entures and two conventional treatments for their effects on functiona l ability (chewing, speaking, etc), patient satisfaction, and quality of life (psychosocial functioning). Assignment of 90 patients was exec uted by means of a balancing allocation computer program to ensure the pretreatment comparability of the three groups. Twelve months after t reatment, the average scores for almost all specific quality-of-life m easures had improved significantly in all three groups. On average, al l patients experienced fewer restrictions in their social activities a nd had fewer psychological problems because of their full dentures. No impact on the general quality of life was established. One year after treatment, all three dental treatment modalities had a comparably pos itive effect on dental health-related quality of life.